Cap lock



Feb. 21, 192.9.

G CROSTON ET AL CAP LOCK 2 Shets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 9, 1937 wi l Inventord {5013a dfi luazn/ Aiiorneys Patented Feb. 21, 1939 C'AP LOCK George Croston, La Grande, and James H.

Fluallen, Tacoma, Wash.

Application December 9, 1937, Serial No. 179,027

3 Claims.

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in caps for tanks such as gasoline tanks on automobiles.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a cap in which means is provided in association with the filler neck of a tank so that the cap cannot be removed by unauthorized persons.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a cap having an indicator which will indicate whether the cap'is locked or unlocked.

Other important objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 represents a vertical sectional view through the cap structure.

Figure 2 is a bottom plan View of the cap.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detailed sectional View on the line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the filler neck.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view disclosing the electrical connections between the electrical devices involved.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the indicating roll.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that numeral 5 denotes the tank from which rises the neck 6 and this neck in its upper portion is provided with a pair of diametrically located inturned flanges I.

Disposed around the neck 6 is the shell 8 in which is located the electro-magnet 9 and this shell is secured in place by screws 10.

The split ring 13 is located in a groove of one side wall of the trough l2. The ring extends over the recesses l4 into which the latch members 2| are disposable so as to spring over the head portions of the latch members when the armature I8 is withdrawn, said latch members being formed as an extension of the lugs 20.

Numeral l5 denotes the cap which is provided with the depending skirt portion l6. Secured to the underside of the cap at the central portion thereof is the box-like structure II from the bottom of which project the lugs AA in a lateral direction for engagement under the flanges 1-1 of the neck 6.

Numeral l8 denotes the armature between which and the top of the shell 8 is interposed the coiled compressible springs 19. On the top of the armature [8 are the stop lugs 20 engageable with the lugs 22 on the inside of the cap I5 to prevent rotation of the cap when the armature is in elevated position, due to the springs 19 and the de-energized condition of the coil 9.

In the box-like structure I! is the roll 24 mounted on a shaft and pole structure 25 which is responsive to the action of the magnetic flux emanating from the coil 9, to the end that the locked or unlocked readings 26-21 can be made visible through the window 28in the cap [5.

As is shown in Figure 1, a flat ring 9a. of nonmagnetic material is located directly under the split ring [3.

Figure 6 shows a source of current 29, the lead 30 to the switch structure 3| which also incorporates the ignition switch means along with the conductor 32 tothe electro-magnet 9 and the branch wire 33 to the indicating lamp 34.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In combination, a tank filler neck, a cap mounted on the neck and removable therefrom upon a partial rotation of the cap, an electromagnet surrounding the filler neck, a pair of lugs in closely spaced relation in the cap, and annular armature on the neck having lugs disposed in the path of the first named lugs to secure the cap against rotation, said armature being responsive to energization of the electromagnet for movement axially to disengage the lugs and spring means for maintaining the armature in a position for interengagement of the lugs.

2. In combination, a tank filler neck, a cap removably positioned on the neck and adapted for locking engagement therewith upon a partial rotarymovement of the cap, lugs carried by the cap, an electromagnet surrounding the neck, a spring projected annular armature having lugs disposed in the path of the first named lugs and responsive tothe energization of the electromagnet to retract the armature and retaining means between the neck and the armature limiting outward movement of the latter.

3. In combination, a tank filler neck, a capremovably positioned on the neck and adapted for locking engagement therewith upon a partial rotary movement of the cap, lugs carried by the cap, an electromagnet surrounding the neck, a? spring projected annular armature having lugs disposed in the path of the first named lugs and responsive to the energization of the electromagnet to retract the armature and means securing the armature against rotary movement and limiting outward movement thereof.

GEORGE CROSTObl. JAMES H. FLUALLEN. 

